Launching The Solar Program For Fisherman's Cooperatives, Erick Thohir: Government Present For The People

JAKARTA - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir and Minister of Cooperatives Teten Masduki moved quickly to respond to fuel oil (BBM) needs for fishermen.

The two agencies with Pertamina launched the Solar Program for Fisherman Cooperatives.

Erick said, this program is a form of quick steps for the government to find solutions in the midst of reducing fuel subsidies for the wealthy.

With the program titled Solar for Fishermen's Cooperatives, Erick every fisherman gets an affordable fuel price.

Furthermore, Erick said, the Solar Program for Fisherman Cooperatives will provide fuel on target for fishermen in need.

The reason is, fishermen's cooperatives have data on fishermen per name and address, so subsidized diesel can be more targeted.

"We will launch a fisherman solution program where this program is the Solar Program for Fisherman Cooperatives. We will try at seven points as pilot projects in the next three months," Erick said at a press conference, in Jakarta, Monday, September 5.

Erick explained that these seven locations are pilot projects. If successful for three months, then this program will become a national policy throughout the archipelago.

According to him, this program is in accordance with President Jokowi's spirit and mandate so that the government is here to provide solutions in the midst of the needs of the community.

"We are starting gradually to help fishermen in need. We prove that the government is present, the government provides solutions for fishermen," said Erick.

Erick ensured that he would work hard to ensure that the program named Solar for the Fisherman Cooperative (Solution) went well.

On the same occasion, Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Teten Masduki said this program would have a direct impact on the welfare of fishermen.

With solar solutions for this fishing cooperative, said Teten, it will improve fishermen's access to ease of diesel.

"So that later the increase in diesel will not have much impact because the supply chain will be repaired," said Teten.

Meanwhile, Pertamina's Managing Director, Nicke Widyawati, explained that the seven locations that will pilot the Solar Program for Fisherman Cooperatives are Lhoknga (Aceh), Deli Serdang, Indramayu, Pekalongan, Semarang, Surabaya, and East Lombok.

The plan, continued Nicke, will take place in early December throughout Indonesia. He said Pertamina welcomed this program.

"Because it will make it easier for Pertamina to distribute subsidized fuel for fishermen because through this cooperative, members by name by address can be sure that this will go directly to the fishermen," he said.